MMDA ready to battle floods

The rains have come and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is more than ready for a long season of flood control operations.

MMDA Undersecretary Cesar Lacuna said they are expecting less flooding in Metro Manila this year after successful declogging operations in most waterways.

Lacuna, however, clarified that flood control requires continuous operations and maintenance work.

"We have substantially cleared the waterways and our concern now is pocket flooding in some streets where inlets near drainage are clogged by garbage," Lacuna said in an interview.

According to him, dealing with pocket flooding could be effective if they can identify exact problem areas. He said 2,000 operatives under his command for the project have been deployed all over the metropolis.

Among the special areas of concern are EDSA, Buendia Avenue, España, Osmeña Highway and Ramon Magsaysay Avenue.

Lacuna also noted the significant improvement of flood control in the metropolis.

"In the perennially flood-stricken areas of northern Metro Manila, for instance, the water level immediately goes down after the rains," he explained.

The northern Metro Manila area, which is made up of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava), is the site for a Department of Public Works and Highways floodway project which is expected be completed in three to four years.

The MMDA official also cited the flood situation in the municipalities of Taguig and Pateros, which are affected by the water level in Laguna Bay, as one of the biggest improvements that resulted from flood control projects. The area is the site of a multi-billion floodway project.

"In the past, EDSA would be closed to traffic because of flood. This is not the case now," Lacuna said.

He pointed out that the success of their operations would depend on the cooperation of the public.

"That is why I encourage better waste management among the residents of Metro Manila," he said.

Lacuna encouraged concerned residents to report flood cases to the MMDA Metro Base Hotline 136.